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Valley school districts see increases, decreases in state funding
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
The latest version of the state budget sees some Mahoning Valley school districts receiving more state money than this year while others get less or remain flat.
Gov. John Kasich introduced his budget proposal in February and it went through several revisions in the House and Senate.
The latest one passed out of a conference committee and was approved Thursday by the Ohio Senate. The Ohio House is expected to approve it today.
Youngstown City Schools would receive more in state aid and reimbursements in the latest budget version than this fiscal year. But it’s less than what had been proposed in Kasich’s version.
The district received $88.1 million in fiscal year 2015.
The latest budget document lists $90.9 million for the district in FY 2016 and $93.2 million in FY 2017, down from the original Kasich proposal of $91.7 million in FY2016 and $94 million in FY2017.
“We were still hoping for better news,” said Treasurer James Reinhard.
The district’s five-year forecast, however, made allowance for fluctuation in the state allotment.
“The forecast assumed we would lose 200 students each year,” the treasurer said. “The past two years we’ve lost less than that. I don’t know if you’d call that a trend or not, but we have lost fewer.”
If the district’s enrollment increases, its state money would increase — and it would decrease if enrollment decreases.
Campbell schools’ state aid and reimbursements also are expected to increase for the biennium. The latest version of the budget lists $14.6 million for FY 2016 and $15.9 million for FY 2017. This year, the district saw $11.8 million from the state.
Campbell Superintendent Matthew Bowen said he’s cautiously optimistic.
“Knowing that the governor has not yet signed this bill, we will remain prudent as we continue to plan for our children and allocate funds necessary for their success,” he said. “These promising figures for the Campbell City School District will create a level playing field where we will enhance the curricular offerings currently in place. We understand the importance of focusing on quality teaching practices, quality research-based programs and integrated student technology to promote student success across the district.”
Austintown’s state allocation essentially remains steady. In FY 2015, the district received $21.7 million. Under the latest budget version, the district would get $21.5 million next year and $21.7 million in FY 2017.
“We’re breaking even,” said Superintendent Vince Colaluca. “Breaking even is putting us behind with inflation and everything else.”
He pointed out that charter schools, though, likely are to receive more funding.
“It’s just another piece that state has put back on the local taxpayers,” Colaluca said. “Local taxpayers need to understand that’s why schools keep coming back asking for more money.”
Austintown schools haven’t had new operating money since 1996.
The district has been able to run without asking taxpayers for new operating money and without increases from the state. And programming hasn’t suffered, Colaluca said.
“That’s to the credit of our board, our staff and our unions,” he said. “We’ve provided for our kids without living in the red.”